Philadelphia Trial Lawyers: Judge Halts Rideshare Services

On October 6, 2016, Judge Lisa Carpenter of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas granted a preliminary injunction requiring that rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft cease operations in Philadelphia. Judge Carpenter ruled that these services, known as transportation network companies, (“TNCs”), violate the Americans with Disabilities Act and Philadelphia’s Fair Practices Ordinance.

The original Complaint was filed by a number of plaintiffs, including Rob Blount, the head of the Taxi Workers Alliance. The Complaint alleged that the companies discriminate against disabled riders because there are no requirements to ensure vehicles can accommodate wheelchairs or protections against refusing to allow service animals, as well as no protection against unfair pricing. In September, Blount amended the Complaint, alleging the Philadelphia Parking Authority violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution by not subjecting TNCs to the same “limitations, assessments, vehicle inspections, or driver requirements.”

If the TNCs violate the injunction, Uber and Lyft could be held in contempt of court.

For more information, call the Philadelphia business lawyers at Sidkoff, Pinus & Green, P.C. today at 215-574-0600 or contact us online.